Out into the World... Yeongdeungpo-gu Accompanies Isolated and Reclusive Youth

Community Project for Healing Mental Health of Isolated and Reclusive Youth 'Na-Be! Program' Underway
Enhancing Capabilities for Social Reintegration Including Psychological Support, Relationship Building, and Regular Daily Life
Expected Resocialization Effects Through Youth Confidence Recovery and Job Connection

Reclusive Youth Psychological Healing Program

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it will operate the ‘Na-Be! Program’ to support the recovery and social reintegration of isolated and reclusive youth who face difficulties entering society due to various reasons such as psychological distress and employment failure.

The ‘Na-Be! Program’ is a ‘mental health healing community’ project that means ‘finding my identity and expressing my existence.’ Just like a caterpillar shedding its cocoon and flying away as a butterfly, this program helps isolated and reclusive youth take a step into society and express themselves.

In particular, the ‘Na-Be! Program’ helps recovery based on ‘relationship building,’ ‘emotional support,’ and ‘connection with others,’ which are most needed by isolated and reclusive youth with weak social networks. This is based on the judgment that full independence of isolated and reclusive youth is possible through people who support them with trust and faith. Although social interest in isolated and reclusive youth has recently increased and various supports have expanded, their emotional difficulties remain unresolved.

The participants range widely from youth currently in isolation and reclusion, families of isolated and reclusive youth, to youth at risk of isolation and reclusion. To help isolated and reclusive youth overcome challenges and build confidence, various programs such as ▲reflecting on inner stress ▲listening to the inner voice ▲reflecting on past and present self ▲communication activities ▲offline meetings ▲writing gratitude journals ▲finding personal hobbies ▲discovering personal styling and personal colors will continue at the Seoul Youth Center Yeongdeungpo until November.

In addition to psychological support, the program aims to build ‘strength for social reintegration’ by enhancing interpersonal skills and establishing proper lifestyle habits through regular daily routines.

Subsequently, isolated and reclusive youth will gain a sense of accomplishment and regain confidence through job experience linked with the local community, enabling them to engage in social activities.

So far, the district has supported various recovery and psychological counseling programs to help youth who spend their days disconnected from society reconnect with the world. Moreover, support has been expanded to include parents, families, and others around isolated and reclusive youth. It is reported that the condition of isolated and reclusive youth has improved through the actual programs.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “For isolated and reclusive youth to grow into healthy members of our society, warm ‘support and encouragement’ from the local community, rather than discrimination or indifference, is most important,” and added, “Yeongdeungpo-gu will serve as a reliable pillar beside the youth so they can open their hearts and change vigorously.”